My cup runneth over ...

As some of you may know, I am not a huge American Cancer Society fan/promoter. I do think that every type of cancer deserves more funding and research, but I also think that <3% of funding towards pediatric cancer is a travesty. That is a stat that has been reported on for quite some time in my peds cancer "circle". It's disappointing to say the least. Now, with that being said, participating in ACS's Relay For Life event can be extremely profound. The sense of community feels unreal and overwhelming at times. The love you feel for everyone there is exciting and heart-wrenching. The sorrow you feel for those who are angels now is sad and surreal. That is why I continue to support the event and I continue to be humbled by the support and camaraderie of our Team LOLA! They continually amaze me. Their dedication is AWESOME! Needless to say we had a wonderful weekend despite the rising temps, reaching over 100 degrees on Saturday. The Luminaria ceremony is sad and I grieve for those we have lost over the last year. But I rejoice in the cause because regardless of how much money we raise, the event to me represents a place where I don't feel so lonely in this fight. Where people adore Lauren and don't stare and whisper. Where she can be herself, sans head wear, and not feel self-conscious. Just when I think humanity has failed her, God shows me that there are still good people in the world. And for that, I am truly thankful <3

Below are two video links for Brentwood's RFL last weekend. One is Team Lola's and one is from the RFL "Living Room" where I begged Lauren to go in for an interview, but her shyness won and she didn't get over in time to make it into the video. Regardless, it shows you what kind of people we get to hang out with and they are so very cool.

I would also like to ask for prayers for two children that are near and close to our hearts. Clayton, who is battling relapsed Neuroblastoma, has been put on hospice. His disease is growing at a super rapid rate and they have run out of doable options. Please life him and his family up in your prayers tonight. Cynthia, who we have not had the pleasure of meeting personally, but have enjoyed the online friendship of her mother Nancy. Cynthia has Epithelioid Sarcoma and has already endured foot amputation and is only 11 years old. New disease was found a couple of months ago and right now, they are exploring options at St. Jude. She has had some serious swelling in both legs and have called in hospice for home care in treating the swelling and pain. Please include them in your prayers tonight as well. You would not believe how bitter this disease has made me and I hope and pray every day that new treatment options become available very soon for our children. They deserve to be living a normal life. They DON'T deserve to be sick like this, ever.

peace and love
-cherri